Details, Ladies, Details! Five Common Accessory Mistakes

By Olivia Kaiser on April 9, 2014

When putting together a successful outfit, it often comes down to the smallest details (or biggest depending on your style): the accessories. At some point everyone has misaccessorized with either too much or not enough. I understand, accessorizing can be difficult: knowing what sort of earrings to wear, whether that belt is too thin or too thick and if that necklace can really be pulled off with a polka-dot shirt. While it is always good to be bold in the fashion industry, you should do so in a tasteful manner.

Accessory mistakes happen all of the time–brown and navy are paired with black, a choker necklace will suddenly appear on someone (taking you back to the 90s), huge earrings with bold statement necklaces or simply nothing at all. Don’t think you’re one of those people who have no idea how to accessorize? Think again.

1.Brown and Navy with Black

While there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if it is a light brown boot, it’s a must to stay away from mixing those. Now, if you’re color blind, I understand. Sometimes that navy really does look black, and you could have sworn that dark brown wasn’t really brown.

But why does it matter what colors I put together? Who really pays attention? The answer would be everyone will notice and your appearance should matter. While only people you’re close with or that complete snob you work with will call you out on it, they are all going to notice something is off.

2. Way Too Much

Photo courtesy of tumblr

There are a lot of people who just go way overboard when it comes to their accessories. It can be difficult to choose which specific pieces to wear, but the choice has to be made.  So how do you know when it is the right time to mix certain pieces? There are a few things to keep in mind, such as where you are going, what your outfit looks like, and what hair-style you are rocking for that day or night.

If you are going to a nice event or heading for a night out with friends and you have your hair up, trying wearing big earrings, no necklace and a watch or bracelet ensemble.Why no necklace? By wearing both big earrings and a necklace, it can make you look off balance and top-heavy. If you are the type of person who wants to wear all three, keep it small and minimal.

3. Not Enough

It’s surprising to think that not wearing enough accessories could be a mistake. But it can. Sometimes the accessories should be the focus on the outfit–what pulls it all together. For example, if you wear a plain blue dress and a small watch with no other accessories, you could end up looking like a plain blueberry. By adding necklaces and the possible earring, you give that look dimension and character.

4. The Makeup

Photo courtesy of mikesneed.wordpress.com

Sometimes women go extremely overboard with their makeup to the point that it no longer highlights their facial features, it grabs the attention of an onlooker and won’t be able to shake loose. In this sense the makeup becomes a focal point much like a necklace would be, and trying to get past the horrendous purple eyeshadow is no easy feat. This isn’t to say don’t wear big make up, just do it tastefully and remember that not every day is pretend dress-up or Halloween.

5. The Mixing of Gold and Silver

Much like the mixing of browns and blacks, the mixing of gold and silver jewelry should be forever banned. There is a reason why when you go jewelry shopping the racks of gold and silver are separated. The only real excuse for this mistake is if your engagement ring or wedding band is one and everything else is another. Otherwise, it just looks tacky and unsophisticated.

Deciding what accessories to wear can be hard. But remembering other’s mistakes makes it easier to avoid making them yourself. You should also keep in mind what outfits you saw on those walking around you and what made them stick out. Be observant not only to other people but to yourself as well.

 

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